Florida Senate Bill 548 - Energy Summary

• Establishes a Florida farm renewable energy production tax credit allowing agricultural producers 1 cent per kilowatt-hour for electricity produced from renewable sources on operational farms, capped at $10 million annually between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2027, with priority allocation to historically underserved producers.

• Creates five new energy programs within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Residential Energy Efficiency Upgrades Program for low-income households, Wastewater Treatment Plant Energy Program, and Farm Renewable and Efficiency Demonstrations Program, plus establishes greenhouse gas reduction goals and registry requirements.

• Requires the Public Service Commission to develop renewable and energy efficiency portfolio standards for utilities by February 1, 2023, subject to legislative ratification, and provides cost recovery for renewable energy projects up to 110 megawatts statewide.

• Mandates greenhouse gas emissions tracking and reporting beginning in 2023 for state entities, expanding to local governments and utilities by 2025, with annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on emissions inventory and reduction strategies.

• Establishes consumer protections for residential solar energy systems including complaint documentation, standardized utility bill savings calculations, and electronic record storage by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.